Michelle Cook

Michelle M. Cook was named vice chancellor for University Advancement July 1, 2008. Prior to her appointment as Vice Chancellor, she served as executive director of the Winston-Salem State University Foundation.

Cook, who continues in her role as executive director of WSSU’s Foundation, has more than 25 years of experience working in the areas of fund development, institutional advancement and training. She has served in a variety of progressively responsible fundraising and institutional advancement positions and has a proven track record in developing prospect relationships, managing successful solicitations, engaging prospects and donors and heightening awareness of organizational priorities.

Her position allows the university and the foundation to join forces in attracting private funding in support of an enhanced student experience at WSSU.

In her role as executive director of the WSSU Foundation, Michelle is responsible for the administration and management of the Foundation’s nearly $69,000,000 in total assets. She coordinated plans for the Campaign for Winston-Salem State University, including key strategies and their timing, the role of university leadership, development of volunteer structures and the establishment of campaign policies and reports.

In addition, she supported development of $55 million in privatized housing built by the WSSU Housing Foundation, LLC. In March 2008, she was appointed manager of the Housing Foundation.

During her tenure in advancement work at WSSU, Michelle created investment opportunities leading to six new endowed professorships, developed proposals leading to corporate and foundation contributions and cultivated major gift donor relationships, which together resulted in gifts and pledges totaling more than $7.3 million.

From 1999 until 2003, Michelle operated her own consulting firm, By the Book Training and Development, serving as a consultant to not-for-profit agencies and faith-based organizations in the areas of fundraising and organizational management.

Michelle serves on the boards of the Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem, the Marshall B. Bass Children’s Fund, the Centers for Exceptional Children and the St. Peter’s Centers for Comprehensive Services.